We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Newest Combination HIV Antigen-Antibody Assay Evaluated

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Feb 2013
Print article
Diagnostic tests capable of early detection represent the most effective means of preventing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

A fourth-generation antigen-antibody combination assay has been developed to allow earlier detection of seroconversion, and has increased sensitivity and improved specificity.

Scientists at the Innsbruck University Hospital (Austria) determined how early the assay could detect infection compared with existing assays; whether all HIV variants could be detected; and the assay's specificity using samples from blood donors, routine specimens, and patients with potential cross-reacting factors.

The study was carried out at 12 centers in Europe, Thailand, and Australia. The Elecsys HIV combi PT assay (Roche Diagnostics; Penzberg, Germany) is performed according to the sandwich principle. The results are automatically determined by the Elecsys software that compares the signal produced from the sample with the cutoff value obtained during system calibration. The total assay time is 27 minutes.

A total of 14 seroconversion panels, comprising 135 samples were analyzed to determine how soon after a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result the immunoassays could detect HIV infection. Samples were identified as positive by the Elecsys assay 4.9 days after a positive PCR result that had been predetermined, which was earlier than the 5.3 to 7.1days observed with other comparable assays. The analytical sensitivity of the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay for the HIV-1 p24 antigen was 1.05 IU/mL, which compares favorably with the other assays.

In addition, the assay identified all screened HIV subtypes and displayed greater sensitivity to HIV-2 homologous antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 E and O and HIV-2 than the other assays. The assay demonstrated 100% specificity in patients with infections other than HIV, such as Cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex virus. Overall, the specificity of the Elecsys assay was 99.88% using samples from blood donors and 99.81% when analyzing unselected samples. Potential cross-reacting factors did not interfere with assay performance. The Elecsys HIV combi PT assay has been granted the European Conformity (CE) marking and is now available for use in laboratory-based testing. The study was published in the February 2013 issue of the journal Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

Related Links:
Innsbruck University Hospital
Roche Diagnostics

Gold Member
Chagas Disease Test
CHAGAS Cassette
Verification Panels for Assay Development & QC
Seroconversion Panels
New
Silver Member
Verification Panels for Assay Development & QC
Seroconversion Panels
New
Fecal DNA Extraction Kit
QIAamp PowerFecal Pro DNA Kit

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Researcher Kanta Horie places a sample in a mass spectrometer that measures protein levels in blood plasma and other fluids (Photo courtesy of WashU Medicine)

Highly Accurate Blood Test Diagnoses Alzheimer’s and Measures Dementia Progression

Several blood tests are currently available to assist doctors in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in individuals experiencing cognitive symptoms. However, these tests do not provide insights into the clinical... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The findings were based on patients from the ADAURA clinical trial of the targeted therapy osimertinib for patients with NSCLC with EGFR-activated mutations (Photo courtesy of YSM Multimedia Team)

Post-Treatment Blood Test Could Inform Future Cancer Therapy Decisions

In the ongoing advancement of personalized medicine, a new study has provided evidence supporting the use of a tool that detects cancer-derived molecules in the blood of lung cancer patients years after... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.